Her head hurt.

No, scratch that, everything hurt.

Her body was sore, her muscles aching and her head felt as though it was going to split open.

There were distant voices and she fought to remember what happened and where she was. There were flashes of memories, the kind that eat at you and claw at something deep inside you. Then it came raining down on her.

The feeling of pain and betrayal. The look in her friend's eyes as he watched the chaos around them erupt. She remembered the tears that spilled from her eyes and the exhaustion that followed… but she couldn't remember much else. The rest was muddled, like sunlight trying to get through dark water.

A groan came from her lips as her eyes slowly slipped open, only to close once more due to the amount of whiteness there was to greet her. White walls, white light, white sheets.. she really needed to stop ending up in places like this.

"You're awake." This was becoming a bad habit.

"I am." She croaked, her throat sore from disuse. She felt the warmth of a hand help guide her into a sitting position. "Where is everyone? What happened?" She pressed after she was given a glass of water to help soothe her throat.

The raven haired male was silent for a long moment, "You stopped a beast from attacking many innocent people. You prevented many deaths. Your mother says you awakened."

Her breath hitched at this, "Gaara, where is Gaara?" panic filled her voice.

"He is meeting with Lord Minato as we speak. They are signing a peace treaty. There have been a few things that have come to light and apparently the desert have been double crossed because their own kage has been killed, leaving Gaara as their heir."

"Gaara is the new Kage of the sand?" A nod was all she was given. In her revelations, she missed the ticking of his jaw, the way his eyes narrowed at her worry for a man who had all but killed her friends and those in her village. Internally he knew she had such and huge heart that she couldn't help but feel for the sand nin, but seeing her like that, in his arms made something in the Uchiha heir's stomach churn. He had to restrain every urge he felt to beat the living shit out of the red head who she calmed. He wasn't sure why he felt so possessive or protective of the rosette, so he just chalked it up to her being his foolish little brother's teammate, the one with a gold heart and a titanium spine… and he refused to acknowledge any reason that he would notice so much about her.

Shaking her head, she turned to Itachi with a small smile, "Thank you, I'm sure it was you who brought me here."

"How can you be so sure?" He mused.

"Because in spite of how cold you try to make the world believe you are, your arms are mighty warm, and so is your heart." Her words made him look away. If only she knew what and who he truly was, she wouldn't give him such a warm look, "I told you, I don't want to see your flame go out." with that, he went and poked her softly on her forehead, except this time her reaction was different.

As he went to pull his hand away, she caught it in her own, holding to her chest, "Thank you.." she whispered, their eyes staring into the other's. He couldn't speak, he couldn't think, he could barely breath, those emerald eyes were molten, flecks of gold from the sunlight shining in and making them look like valleys of autumn trees. They were warm and made him forget where they were and what was going on. The voice in his head told him to look away, that he didn't deserve that sort of heart, but the selfish part of him wanted to watch them until all he could see was emerald pools.

Her heart was beating so erratically, it was making her dizzy. Her breathing was faster by a slight bit and her lips suddenly felt dry. She hadn't even realized she was now standing rather than sitting. His eyes were a smoldering grey, they cut right through her and made her fall into the depthless abyss. She thought it would scare her more, such intensity that it went right down to her core. She knew there were more thoughts in his head than he let on, and she knew she was playing with fire.

For who was she? But a twelve year old with a wide forehead and pink hair and a rather awkward body during her slowly moving pubescent years. The girl that had such baggage? Who was she when he was an Adonis in their world, the epitome of strength and sacrifice. He was strong, dedicated and faithful to his village and his precious people. She didn't dare even consider trying to climb to such a level. She may be a prodigy in her own right, but she doubted she could ever be on his level.

A soft knock at the door pulled them crashing back into time and space. Sakura slowly let Itachi's hand go, refusing to admit she missed the heat of it moment she did. He took a couple of steps back, making his heart squeeze being so far away from her after such intensity.

The door opened and the two backed away from one another, Itachi slipping on his cold, detached mask back on and Sakura smiling to herself.

A shock of red in a room of white was hard not to notice, "Sakura…" his voice was hesitant and filled with worry. Itachi ground his teeth together, deep glares coming from the heir before giving Sakura a small nod and leaving. Sakura frowned a bit as the heir left. Sakura looked up at the familiar set of sea foam eyes and all the effects of the man before him slowly floating away as anger, betrayal and frustration crept in. She knew she could never really be angry with him, not when he didn't really have a choice. "Gaara…" Sakura said after some silence, "I'm glad you've come by for a visit, I wish it were at a better place and under better circumstances." she mused lightly.

"I…" God, what the hell was he going to say to her? She's so calm and her eyes are still so warm, accepting, and filled with love. He thought she would be angry, throw things at him or throw him. He thought she would refuse to ever see him again and see in him the monster everyone feared him for… but there was no trace in any of that, not in her voice, not in her eyes, and not on her face.. "I'm sorry.." He finally said, his heart tearing into pieces as he did. He did not deserve her kindness, such a pure thing, in his life.

"Don't." She said with a wave of her hand, "We all make mistakes, and we all do what we have to when it comes to our village. For anyone to be upset with you would be a hypocrite." she flashed him a smile, "So, how does it feel to be a Kage?"

She just kept surprising him. "I uh, I'm not sure yet. So far it is just a lot of paperwork and meetings.." He answered honestly. He looked her over as he did. She seemed a lot better since that day. Guilt began to strike him, he didn't remember what exactly happened but he could remember the look of betrayal in her eyes that burned into his soul.

Sakura nodded, "Yeah, you should tell that to Naruto, see how fast he rethinks being Hokage."

This was easy, speaking with her without judgement. His fear of her rejection became nonexistent, and her smile radiated the warmth that made him feel as though his insides were glowing. A few hours later, Shizune, Tsunade's assistant, came in and checked on the Haruno, having Gaara say goodbye.

Days later, Sakura was being escorted from the hospital by her team and they found themselves in front of the Hokage. "We were unable to finish the exams, but in the old times, promotions were given during times of war." Minato smiled warmly, but the guilt was deep inside his eyes. "Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Yamanaka Ino, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba, Rock Lee, Hyuuga Hinata, Akimichi Choji, Ten-ten… upon review of your testing, albeit some of you not passing your testing, you all showed great amounts of resilience, clear thinking, and helped our villagers to safety. Due to these things, you have all become Chuunin."

He received wide eyed looks before cheers came from all of those named, leaving Haruno Sakura, Hyuuga Neji, and Nara Shikamaru on the sidelines confused. "Wait! What about Sakura-chan?!" called Naruto over the voices, causing everyone to quiet.

"Nara Shikamaru - you showed great calculations and helped devise a plan of attack. Hyuuga Neji, you fought against your enemy with assurance and great strength assured your success. Haruno Sakura, you faced your foes with great care and dignity. You saved many and fought gallantly. I am naming you three jounin." the room was so silent, one could hear a pin drop.

The guilt came from him because he had no choice to put them in the pool for ANBU. Minato did not want to subject them to that, but they were great fighters and Sakura needed those around her who could tame her should it come to it. He knew they would be enraged, his son most of all due to his protective nature over the rosette, but he had to ensure her safety and that of those around her.

"Albeit you being Jounin, you will still be allowed missions with your team. But, first and foremost, you three will be your own team. You will have two captains interchangeably and they will reveal themselves when it is adequate to do so." Minato couldn't make eye contact with anyone at the moment, especially not the teams of the three named Jounin. Especially not their leaders. Especially not his son.

"Hai." Sakura was the first to break the silence. She leaned forward in a deep bow, "I thank you for such trust in my abilities and the opportunity to further help my village. I will do well to be worthy of such a title." behind her, Shikamaru and Neji bowed in unison, followed by all the chuunin.

After being given their vests, they all left.

*.*.*.*

"This is such a drag.." Shikamaru groaned, shifting his weight onto his other foot.

"It isn't so bad." Sakura mused, sitting on the grass beneath the tree Neji leaned against. Hyuuga didn't say anything, but he felt the same as the Nara. He knew the lazy genius fairly well. They have sparred before and worked together in the past, but he knew close to nothing about the girl with the pink hair aside from what he witnessed during the exams. She was smart, fast, and strong and ultimately that was all that mattered.

"Who do you think our leaders will be?" Sakura asked at some point, she was becoming annoyed with sitting around and nothing to a. Sparring was restricted for her for another few days, so that was on the back burner for now.

"Sorry I'm late!" Came a familiar voice, causing a smile on the rosette's face as she threw her arms around the man.

"Shisui!" She cheered.

"Sakura-chan!" Shisui smiled brightly at the girl, to say there was a soft spot for her was an understatement. "Congrats on your promotion, all three of you. Albeit, I do wish it were under better circumstances and you being a little older, but what can ya do?" He mused lightly after he hugged the girl back.

The two males of the team gave him a nod, they both knew the Uchiha well, they may not have worked with him much, but he was a generally liked person and a damned good fighter. "So, I'm sure it was explained, I am only one of two leaders for this team - the reason being both myself and your other leader go on missions often and until you're all well seasoned Jounin, you will be on a team."

"Aren't we all the same level though?" Asked Nara.

"That we are! Again, this is only temporary until you are all able to be on your own. You may stay together or end up alone, we won't know until we get there. Training will be our main priority as well missions, obviously. The chance to sign up for ANBU will probably present itself, so I would start thinking about whether or not that is a road you want to take. That is a very serious decision, so if anyone wants to talk about it privately I am all ears." Shisui flashed a smile, "I wasn't really here for much of the Chuunin exams, only caught bits and pieces so I would like to go ahead and see what you are made of .. Pinky, you're excused from this because Hokage-sama already told me about your restrictions for a few days.

"I already know what you've got, but you each need to learn each other's strengths and weaknesses as well. So, as soon as you are cleared to go, we will have you front and center. Nara and Hyuuga, we will face off in the meantime." With that, and no warning, Shisui was on the two like white on rice.

Sakura watched with mild amusement and awe as the three fought, she guess Shisui was more hands on than she would have thought.

*.*.*.*

"It's a nice night."

"That it is." Silence was no stranger to them, but it was always comfortable. These nights were becoming more and more frequent since the whole show down during the exams. He came to visit often, late at night when the rest of the world seemed to be asleep. "Did you just get back?"

"Hn." His response made her smile, "About an hour ago. Had to unload." He mused.

"And shower."

"And shower." He said in agreement.

"You should be resting."

"As should you."

"Touche." Sakura smiled.

Itachi gave his signature smile back, the one reserved for his special people… and Sakura felt pretty damn special.

Over the months following the attack, Sakura continued training with Tsunade and Itachi turned out to be their other squad leader. She trained with both of her teams and each one of her captains one on one. She trained with her mom as well to keep whatever she was in check. Itachi and she became close, he visited her every night when he couldn't sleep, when he figured she wouldn't be able to sleep, or when he had caught wind that she was having a shitty day and didn't want her going to bed upset about anything.

He cared for her greatly, for her training, for her health and well-being, for her days, for.. her.. He knew she was only twelve, but her heart was so much older. They would talk about everything and anything, and sometimes just sat in a comfortable silence and enjoyed the feeling of being around someone who understood it.

She leaned her head against his shoulder and he moved closer to her to make it easier for her while he snaked his arm around her waist to pull her closer to him, his effort was to ward off the cold night.

"I miss you while you were away… Sasuke and Naruto took it really hard about me being promoted to Jounin… more so because they feel like we will grow apart or they won't be able to protect me anymore, which is ironic seeing as I'm usually protecting them." She laughed lightly. "I missed you because you understand. Because Shisui is great, and I love him - really.. and Shika and Neji are wonderful when you get to know them.. but they aren't you. I don't know if that makes sense… but you've become one of my best friends.."

His heart felt heavy, he didn't think he deserved such compassion. Looking down, he watched the girl that was watching him, a small smile on her lips. He found himself being drawn to them, but he didn't want to cross the line. He couldn't. She was his brother's teammate. She was twelve! She was the light in the darkness and he was nothing but a shadow with blood on his hands.. he didn't deserve all he knew she could and would give him.

"Don't do that." She said softly, "I do that. I think of every possible reason to reject those who care. Too afraid of the monster I think I am to want to be close.. don't do it to yourself. Don't punish yourself for how you've had to protect those you love. Don't. You deserve love. You deserve compassion. You deserve happiness, whatever those things may mean.. you deserve them all, so stop looking for reasons not to… because I honestly couldn't think of any. The only one who can think of you as a monster is yourself, no one else has that power, so please.. don't think of yourself that way.."

Her eyes were pools of emerald, endless. He felt like he was swimming and slowly drowning in them. He couldn't look away, and he wasn't so sure he would even if he could. She would become a great beauty, her outside would bloom to show what the inside already does..

And the thought made his chest tighten, she was so damn beautiful, it hurt to look at her sometimes. "We should get some rest. Training is going to be hell tomorrow." Her voice broke him out of his musings. He silently agreed and removed himself from his previous seat beside her on her rooftop. "Have a good night, Itachi."

"You too, Sakura." He smiled, he always made her blush when he said her name. He gave her a quick poke on the forehead, and before he could go, she reached up and planted a very brief and light kiss on his lips. "Night!" She beamed before disappearing into cherry blossoms, leaving a rather flushed and confused Itachi alone.

*.*.*.*

"Fuuuuccckkkkk.." Shikamaru groaned as he slowly dipped himself into the cold river. His body was sore and bruised and he could barely move his muscles. Training had been the epitome of fucked up. It was the first time both leads had been around for training and they did not go easy.

Both teammates seemed to agree with his sentiment, Neji was splayed out in the river next to the Nara while Sakura was star fishing on the ground, her body still wet from her time in the river. She was only left in a tank top and her black shorts, her bindings thrown to the wayside along with her other clothing and sandals. The boys were too tired to feel embarrassment, not that Sakura gave a shit. She gave them the same "We are teammate and will see each other in a lot less than this so you better get used to it" speech.

Shisui and Itachi watched on in amusement at the young Jounin, giving most of their attention to the rosette, she was like family to them, spending as much time as possible at the compound visiting Sasuke and Naruto, as well as Mikoto. She would come by with her Jounin team as well when Shisui would invite them over for dinner or drinks (not that they were old enough to drink, but what others didn't know wouldn't hurt them). Neji always looked downcast while at the Uchiha compound, but he never complained and slowly got used to it.

"You guys did a great job today!" Smiled Shisui, earning a grunt and groan from his young teammates. "Just be grateful I'm not spouting on about youthfulness and wearing a green spandex suit!" He laughed, earning a pointed look from Neji.

"Yeah, being called a spring blossom does get tiresome.." Sakura muttered, earning a laugh from the eldest Uchiha.

"Right, well, when you're all done wallowing in self pity, there's a party tonight at the tavern for the newly appointed chuunin and Jounin since one was never able to be done yet. You guys should go get cleaned up and meet us there."

"You want us to party after that?! I can barely move my body, let alone make it to a damn party!" Shot Shikamaru, earning grunts of agreement from the other two.

"Oh, come on. Sakura can heal the worst parts of it!" Smiled Shisui, which caused the rosette to throw him a rather tired glare.

"When is it, anyway?" Sakura finally asked.

"Not until about 8. I'm thinking because one of the teams are just coming back so they want everyone to be there. Think about it, okay?" Shisui shrugged before disappearing, leaving Itachi and the three young Jounin. The two boys eventually removed themselves from the river and helped each other home while Itachi helped Sakura.

"Get on my back." Itachi commanded softly.

Sakura had zero energy in her to argue with the Uchiha, so she did as told. She buried her face in his neck as the heat of his hands warmed her cold skin, making her feel a little flushed. "Sorry.." He finally said softly, he was trying to ignore the warmth of her breath fanning across his neck and the smell of vanilla and lavender that clung to the young girl. "I didn't think it would be that tough of a session. I guess we kind of went a little crazy."

A soft hum came from the girl but nothing else was said. Finally, when they arrived at her house, he was going to let her down, but she requested he stay. "Just for a little bit… before we have to go to the party. Mom is working at the hospital until late.."

He knew he shouldn't. He knew he should just drop her off and be on his way, but he couldn't help himself from not caring for what he should be doing. So, instead, he did as she requested. He entered the house behind her and watched her silently as she removed her shoes at a rather slow pace and made her way up the stairs to her room. He walked behind her to assure she wouldn't fall or anything, or at least that's what he told himself.

When they got to her room, she stripped without thought and the Uchiha had to force himself to turn around and give her some privacy. She pulled on a robe and headed towards the bathroom. "I'll be back." She said in a tired voice before disappearing down the hall. Itachi wasn't sure what to do with himself so he settled for looking at her room. He took in the sight, she had a four poster bed with deep red covers and a canopy that was black. Her room was spotlessly clean and smelled of lavender and honey. She had two dressers (both a dark oak color), one closer to the door that was tall and a longer one by her double Bay windows that held a little cove. In the corner to his right, there was another little nook where a small black and red love seat sat and a lamp behind it, it's shade pointing over the seat. She had a bunch of pictures of her friends and family pinned to the wall above her bed, he couldn't help but look closer at them.

One was of her team with his brother. Her arms were casually hung around the two boys with a big smile on her lips, his brother had a smirk on his face and Naruto had the brightest smile in the picture. Kakashi stood behind them putting bunny ears on the two males. They all looked so happy. Another picture caught his attention, it was one of her new Jounin team, Neji was a slight scowl on his face and Shikamaru in the middle of rolling his eyes while Sakura smiled brightly. Another next to it was of her and Shisui, another of her and his own mother and another of her and her parents..

But the one that caught his eye was a picture he remembered taking just to appease her. It was some time after she had gotten out of the hospital and became a Jounin. He remembered it was after a particularly intense training, and still she was vibrant. Their arms were draped around each other's shoulders and she did the peace sign as he smiled down at her. "They're all my precious people. The ones I strive to protect. The ones I refuse to let down. I hope you realize that you are in that category at well, hence the picture." Her voice broke him from his trance and he turned to her.

"I really don't understand." He finally said after taking in her more casual appearance. She wore a black skirt that fell at her knees and a white blouse on top.

"Then don't try." She shrugged and walked over to him, "Sometimes the greatest mysteries in life are left just as that… mysteries." He gave her a slight smile and dipped his head in agreement. "Now, let's go get you cleaned up and head to the party, something tells me it wasn't just a suggestion Shisui gave us to go." she laughed.

Itachi watched her for a moment longer before agreeing and following her back down stairs.

*.*.*.*

When they finally arrived at the party it was in full swing. People were chatting and laughing, someone was doing karaoke and others were just dancing or drinking. When they entered, Naruto yelled for Sakura and Sasuke was behind him shortly. The two gave Sakura big hug and said hello to Itachi. Shisui cheered happily and waved the two over, so Sakura dragged the two boys with her as she followed Itachi through the crowd. "You guys made it!" Shisui laughed, "Good, good! The two others are milling around here somewhere, probably with their teams." Sakura glanced around and caught sight of her other two teammates and gave them a wave, which they gave back… of course, both their teams stared at them in surprise before they went back to whatever they were doing.

After some time of talking and playing drinking games (Sakura only drank water because she was already feeling out of it) Shisui got up on stage, catching everyone's attention as he asked for it (well, demanded it). "I just want to say congrats to all the promotions, to you chuunin, I'm glad we've got you all. You will help lead us into peace time. And to those who've made Jounin, I know it may be a shitty deal sometimes, but I couldn't have picked a better team if I tried." Everyone cheered and hooted.

"Okay, so before I let the party resume, I want to wish a very happy birthday to a very special person." everyone went silent and there was a Crimson looking Sakura. How did he find out? She always kept it a secret, she always avoided the topic of her birthday. "Sakura, since the day you arrived you have shown nothing but unwavering strength, courage, faith, and kindness to our village. You may not be from Konoha originally, but you protect the village with such passion. We are so lucky to have you, happy birthday, baby girl!"

From the back, there was a separation of people as Mebuki walked forward with a rather large cake and went towards Sakura, who was the same color as her hair. When she arrived in front of her daughter, Mebuki began singing happy birthday and everyone joined in. "Happy birthday, my love." She smiled at the end, "You're father is so very proud of you. He sends his love and affections and regrets nothing more than not being here to celebrate this day with you."

Sakura was fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. She missed her father so damn much. Mebuki placed the cake on a table and hugged her daughter tightly. "I love you so much, mama." Sakura whispered.

"Alright! Time to parrrtttaaayyyy!" Shisui cheered, causing everyone to go crazy once more. Various people came by and gave the rose hugs and birthday wishes, but she could feel the gaze of someone else the whole time. When she looked up, it was that familiar set of eyes she had become so accustomed to seeing. A small smile lifted the corners of his lips and it was more than any words could ever say.

*.*.*.

"You never mentioned it was your birthday.." Itachi pointed out as they walked home from the party. Sakura called it a day a few hours later as she was so exhausted. She insisted her mom stay and hang out with Mikoto, Rin, Tsunade, and Kushina… lord knew the women all needed some time together.

"I just… I don't care for it much. Never feels the same when dad isn't here.."

Itachi kept silent as they walked, he could understand not wanting to celebrate her birthday, his mom made a big deal out of his, but he didn't care for it much.

When they reached her house, they stared at each other for a long moment then smiled at each other. "Thank you for walking me home."

"You're welcome. I'm afraid I don't have a gift to give you." Sakura waved off his worry, "Don't worry, I'm not big into gifts anyway."

They said their goodbyes as normal, with him giving her a delicate poke on her forehead. As he turned to walk away, he stopped and turned back to her, grabbing her arm before she went through the threshold into her home. "Itachi..?"

Before she could ask anything further, he pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply. The kiss was hot and deep, his soul talking to hers saying everything he didn't know how to say. After the initial shock, Sakura kissed him back. When they pulled away, they were both flushed and heavy lidded. "Happy birthday, Sakura." his voice was husky and his eyes filled with mirth. She could barely think, all she could say was , "Yeah, you too.." A smile lifted on his mouth once more before he disappeared, leaving a flustered Sakura in his wake.

What the fuck just happened?